Prevalence and Determinants of Anemia Among Adolescent Girls in Rural Bihar, India: A Community-based Cross Sectional Study

Abstract Objective: To estimate the prevalence of anemia and identify associated risk factors among adolescent girls in rural Bihar. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 371 adolescent girls aged 10–19 years using systematic random sampling. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, dietary intake, menarche status, and history of worm infestation were collected using a pretested questionnaire. Haemoglobin estimation was performed, and anemia was classified as per World Health Organization criteria. Statistical analysis included Chi-square test, odds ratio, and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: The overall prevalence of anemia was 57.9%. Mild and moderate anemia constituted the majority of cases. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, illiterate girls had significantly higher odds of anemia than girls educated up to high school and above (AOR = 6.29; 95% CI: 1.10–35.70). Similarly, daughters of illiterate mothers had significantly higher odds of anemia (AOR = 7.14; 95% CI: 1.37–37.60). Girls whose fathers were engaged in business (AOR = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.05–0.51) and private service (AOR = 0.25; 95% CI: 0.08–0.78) had lower odds of anemia compared with those whose fathers were engaged in agriculture. Multicollinearity among the independent variables was assessed using the variance inflation factor (VIF). All VIF values ranged from 1.05 to 1.30, indicating no evidence of significant multicollinearity. Conclusion: Anemia among adolescent girls in rural Bihar represents a severe public health problem. Lower educational status of adolescent girls and their mothers and socioeconomic factors were important determinants of anemia. Integrated interventions focusing on nutrition, iron supplementation, deworming, and adolescent health education are urgently required.